The Paper is a new mockumentary comedy series on Peacock. It serves as a spinoff from the popular show The Office. The series follows a documentary crew that previously filmed the employees of Dunder Mifflin. Now they are focusing on a struggling newspaper in Toledo, Ohio. The Toledo Truth Teller is trying to revive itself with volunteer reporters. The show premiered on September 4, 2025, with all ten episodes available at once. The series is created by Greg Daniels and Michael Koman. It features a mix of new faces and one familiar character from The Office.
Domhnall Gleeson as Ned Sampson
Domhnall Gleeson plays Ned Sampson, the new editor-in-chief of the Toledo Truth Teller. Ned is a former sales representative for Softees toilet paper. He uses his journalism training to help revive the newspaper. Gleeson describes his character as having an unwavering optimistic belief in restoring the paper to its former glory. The actor is known for his roles in the Harry Potter films, Ex Machina, and About Time. He also appeared in the Star Wars sequel trilogy as General Hux.
Gleeson explained, “We are three members of a wonderful ensemble cast of underdog characters that are banding together to keep journalism alive. My character has the unwavering optimistic belief that he can turn The Truth Teller to the glory of its heyday” .
Sabrina Impacciatore as Esmeralda Grand
Sabrina Impacciatore takes on the role of Esmeralda Grand. She was the managing editor of the Truth Teller before Ned’s arrival. Esmeralda primarily wrote clickbait articles about beauty products. She now seeks to reclaim her position by sabotaging Ned. Impacciatore is an Italian actress who gained international fame for her role in The White Lotus season 2. She received a Primetime Emmy nomination for her performance in the series. Her other works include The Passion of the Christ and various Italian films and television shows.
Oscar Nuñez Returns as Oscar Martinez
Oscar Nuñez reprises his role as Oscar Martinez from The Office. Oscar now works as the head accountant for the parent company of the Truth Teller. He also writes for the arts and leisure section of the newspaper. Nuñez expressed his thoughts on the character’s move to Toledo. He mentioned that Oscar would likely prefer a more cosmopolitan city. However, the creators decided to place him in Ohio. Nuñez is known for his nine-season run on The Office. He has also appeared in films like The Proposal and Baywatch.
Nuñez shared, “I told Mr. Greg Daniels that if Oscar came back, he would probably be living in a more bustling, cosmopolitan city. Greg heard me and he moved Oscar to Toledo, Ohio—which has three times the population of Scranton” .
Chelsea Frei as Mare Pritti
Chelsea Frei plays Mare Pritti, a journalist at the Truth Teller. Mare is a veteran of the Army and the only reporter with actual journalism experience. She forms a close relationship with Ned and helps write well-researched articles. Frei is known for her roles in The Moodys and The Cleaning Lady. She also voiced the character Bethany in the animated film Ruby Gillman, Teenage Kraken. Frei graduated from New York University before starting her acting career.
Melvin Gregg as Detrick Moore
Melvin Gregg portrays Detrick Moore, a volunteer reporter who works in ad sales. Detrick has a crush on his colleague Nicole but often struggles with awkwardness. Gregg started his career creating comedy sketches on Vine. He transitioned to acting with roles in American Vandal, Snowfall, and The Way Back. His character adds humor and relatability to the show’s dynamic.
Gbemisola Ikumelo as Adelola Olofin
Gbemisola Ikumelo plays Adelola Olofin, a reporter and accountant at the newspaper. Adelola is portrayed as more rebellious compared to her coworkers. Ikumelo is a British actress and comedian. She has won two BAFTA Awards for her work. She is known for her roles in the BBC sketch show Famalam and the series Sunny D. Ikumelo also serves as a writer on The Paper.
Alex Edelman as Adam Cooper
Alex Edelman takes on the role of Adam Cooper, an accountant and reporter. Adam quickly realizes he is not skilled at writing news articles. Edelman is a touring comic who won a Tony Award for his Off-Broadway production Just for Us. He also contributes as a writer for The Paper. His character provides comic relief through his struggles with journalism.
Ramona Young as Nicole Lee
Ramona Young plays Nicole Lee, who handles circulation at the Truth Teller. She is best friends with Mare and becomes a love interest for Detrick. Young is known for her roles in Never Have I Ever and DC’s Legends of Tomorrow. She also voiced Bliss in Ruby Gillman, Teenage Kraken. Her character adds a layer of personal relationships to the office environment.
Tim Key as Ken Davies
Tim Key portrays Ken Davies, a business strategist for the newspaper. Ken works for Enervate, the parent company of the Truth Teller. Key is a British comedian and actor. He won the Edinburgh Comedy Award in 2009. He has appeared in films like Alan Partridge and See How They Run. His character brings dry humor to the series.
Supporting Cast Members
The Paper features a diverse supporting cast. Eric Rahill plays Travis, a Softees employee who volunteers as a reporter. Allan Havey plays Marv Putnam, the CEO of Enervate. Nate Jackson and Mo Welch also appear in guest roles. Mo Welch serves as a writer on the show as well. Tracy Letts, Nancy Lenehan, and Molly Ephraim appear in recurring roles. Their characters contribute to the rich tapestry of the office setting.
Production and Development
The Paper was developed by Greg Daniels and Michael Koman. Daniels is known for adapting The Office for American television. The series is produced by Universal Television. Ricky Gervais and Stephen Merchant, creators of the original UK Office, serve as executive producers. Filming began in July 2024. The show was renewed for a second season ahead of its premiere in September 2025. The series aims to capture the same mockumentary style that made The Office a success.
Connection to The Office Universe
The Paper is set in the same universe as The Office. The documentary crew that filmed Dunder Mifflin is now focusing on the Toledo Truth Teller. Oscar Martinez is the only character from the original series to appear. His inclusion provides a link for fans of the show. The series explores similar themes of workplace dynamics and personal relationships. It maintains the humor and heart that characterized The Office.
Release and Availability
The Paper premiered on Peacock on September 4, 2025. All ten episodes were released at once for binge-watching. In Australia, the series streams on Binge and airs on Foxtel. In the UK and Ireland, it is available on Now and Sky UK. The show has received positive reviews from critics. It holds an 85% rating on Rotten Tomatoes based on 54 critic reviews.
Critical Reception
Early reviews for The Paper have been generally favorable. Critics have praised the cast and the show’s humor. Some reviews noted that the mockumentary style feels familiar but effective. The series has been described as an easy and fun watch. It does not aim to be innovative but rather entertaining. The characters are well-laid out with good pacing and jokes.
Future Prospects
With a second season already confirmed, The Paper has a promising future. The show will continue to explore the lives of the Truth Teller employees. Fans can expect more developments in the relationships and careers of the characters. The series has the potential to become a staple for Peacock subscribers. It offers a fresh yet familiar take on the mockumentary genre.
Also Read: Steve Carell and John Krasinski Surprised The Paper Cast on Their First Day of Filming
Credits: Screen Rant
